Error from Smith sees Brit finish last at World Championships

By Holly Hamilton and Kathryn Catney, Sportsbeat, at the O2 Arena

 LOUIS Smith cut a forlorn figure at the O2 Arena after a fall in his pommel horse routine ensured he finished last at the World Championships.

 DISCONSOLATE: Louis Smith cannot hide his disappointment after a fall ensures he finishes last in the pommel horse final

The 20-year-old Olympic bronze medallist was a hot favourite to reach the podium in London after a near flawless performance in qualifying ensured he advanced to Saturday's final in third place.

But an uncharacteristic error in his routine saw his legs clip together as he struggled to maintain his balance, ruling out any hopes of Great Britain's second medal of the competition.

Smith ended Britain's 100-year wait for an individual Olympic gymnastics medal in Beijing last year, but having scooped European silver earlier this year, his dress rehearsal for London 2012, where he will again compete at the O2, did not go to plan.

The Brit adopted a win or bust approach, after attempting a more challenging routine, and while he almost literally fell flat on his face, Smith insisted he had no regrets about his performance.

"I wouldn't say I was nervous but I was trying to do a routine I hadn't competed before," said Smith. 

"I could have played it safe and got bronze but the whole idea is to get ready for 2012.

"To have any chance of a gold I need to do a harder routine. I'm obviously upset I fell off but I'm looking forward to 2012.

 "It would have been nice to join Dan [Keatings] and have a medal around my neck. I would have felt more pressure if no-one had won a medal. It took the pressure off me.

"I have no regrets about going for it."

While Smith will leave the O2 Arena empty-handed, he is sure to be back in a little more than 1000 days, bidding to upgrade his Olympic bronze to gold.

And Smith believes lightning will not strike twice when the Olympic torch is lit in the capital.

"It is a brilliant arena, great atmosphere and flags, I loved the ‘Go Louis' sign," he said.

"Going first didn't add any pressure, it's always intense, that doesn't rise.

"When you're out there doing your piece you're not thinking about who is taking your picture you just get on with it.

"I was thinking why couldn't I just have done one more clean routine?

"My next goal is the Europeans Championships coming up in next spring. But 2012 is the ultimate goal. The routine I did today was the one I will perform at 2012." 

Gold went to China's Zhang Hongtao, who claimed 16.200 points,  while Hungary's Krisztian Berki and Australia's Prashanth Sellathurai took silver and bronze respectively.

Smith had to settle for eighth with a lacklustre score of 14.45.